Portrait of woman, from the Novelties series (N228, Type 1) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

Editor: Here we have a lithograph from 1889, “Portrait of woman, from the Novelties series (N228, Type 1)” by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company. It’s a small, intimate portrait that feels very classic in its composition. How do you interpret this work through a cultural lens? Curator: What strikes me immediately is the context of its production. Kinney Brothers, a tobacco company, used this portrait as part of a series of "novelties." These cards were essentially advertisements included in cigarette packs. How does it feel to consider this a piece of promotional material, designed to sell tobacco using an image of female beauty? Editor: It shifts my perspective completely! Knowing it was meant to sell cigarettes adds a layer of commercialization that I hadn't considered. Was this a common practice back then? Curator: Absolutely. The late 19th century saw a rise in advertising using collectible cards. The female image, often idealized, played a key role in these campaigns. Now, consider this woman’s expression, her coy glance. Is it empowering, or does it reinforce the objectification of women for marketing purposes? And who was she? Probably an actress whose image rights were licensed out. We need to consider labor rights and who profited from her image. Editor: I see what you mean. It's a complicated intersection of art, commerce, and gender. I'm also thinking about the viewers – mostly men – who would collect these. It presents a constructed version of femininity. Curator: Exactly. The portrait serves as a mirror reflecting the social norms and power structures of that era. Advertising normalizes some types of representation, so in effect, it ends up also marginalizing those outside those definitions of acceptable portraiture. The gaze isn’t neutral. What assumptions and stereotypes is the advert actively promoting and reinforcing? What kinds of identity get shut down through that promotion? Editor: Thanks! I’ll certainly think about these kinds of artworks in new ways going forward. Curator: Indeed, understanding the intent behind a piece changes everything.